What is the preferred method of vascular access during pediatric cardiac arrest?

The preferred method of vascular access during pediatric cardiac arrest is intraosseous (IO) access. This technique is particularly advantageous in emergency situations for several reasons.

Firstly, in cases of cardiac arrest, time is of the essence, and intraosseous access can be established quickly. It allows for rapid administration of medications and fluids directly into the marrow, which is highly vascularized, leading to effective systemic circulation even in patients with poor peripheral venous access.

Secondly, during pediatric emergencies, especially in younger children, establishing intravenous access can be challenging due to smaller, fragile veins and the increased risk of complications. Intraosseous access bypasses these difficulties and provides a reliable route for administering life-saving interventions when every second counts.

The other options have limitations that make them less suitable in this critical context. Intravenous access, while commonly used, can be difficult to obtain in a timely manner in pediatric patients experiencing cardiac arrest. Subcutaneous access is not appropriate for emergency medication delivery in these situations. A peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) is typically used for long-term access rather than immediate life-saving interventions and would not be practical or efficient in the context of cardiac arrest.